5 good reasons to consume butter

There’s no denying it: butter has the power to turn any simple meal into a much tastier dish! However, it is a fact that most people avoid consuming it because they have already heard about the harm it can offer to health – or, simply, because they have already heard around that it is not considered a healthy food.

For many years, butter has been seen as a great villain, not only for those who follow a weight loss diet, but also for those who care about their health and seek to consume, on a daily basis, only foods considered healthy.

But is this bad reputation, in fact, justified?

Alfredo Cury, endocrinologist at Spa Posse do Corpo, explains that there are studies linking butter to obesity and heart disease. “But, of course, as experts, we know that the problem occurs if it is consumed in excess, as it has high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat”, he highlights.

On the other hand, currently, some studies have shown that butter, if consumed correctly, can bring some health benefits, as you can see below:

Good reasons to consume butter (in moderation)

1. It is rich in lauric acid: which, according to Alfredo Cury, helps protect the body against fungal infections.

2. It is rich in vitamin A: which, according to the doctor, makes it a good food for the eyes.

3. It is rich in vitamin K2: according to endocrinologist Cury, this vitamin plays an important role against joint diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis.

4. It’s an antioxidant: the function of this type of food is to fight the so-called free radicals – which negatively affect the body -, therefore, it helps to prevent diseases and fight premature aging.

5. Contains “healthy saturated fats”: with this, according to endocrinologist Cury, the body recognizes the fat in butter as natural and is able to metabolize it.

butter X margarine

It is very common for the question to arise: which of the two options is the best for health? The answer generates controversy.

It is worth mentioning that butter is the cream of milk beaten until it becomes a creamy emulsion. In this product, cholesterol and saturated fat, common in foods of animal origin, predominate. Margarine, in turn, is obtained through the hydrogenation of vegetable oils and contains trans fat (artifically produced with the aim of keeping it longer and leaving it with a good consistency).

Marcela Frias, nutritionist at Clínica Dicorp, explains that margarines are greater sources of trans fatty acids (TGAs) compared to butter. “AGTs are formed during the hydrogenation process of vegetable oil and increase plasma LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein),” she says.

Also according to the professional, butter, unlike margarine, is low in TFA, but rich in saturated fatty acids (4), which are lipids of animal origin. But, in the opinion of nutritionist Marcela, the best option is still margarine.

However, it is worth mentioning that none of them should be consumed in excess.

Marcela Frias explains that, if the person opts for butter, this consumption should be done in small portions per day, of a maximum of 40 grams. “It can be used in breads, as a method of seasoning some foods, among other ways,” she says.

The nutritionist adds that a tablespoon of butter (10g) has approximately 72 calories.

The consumption of margarine, according to Marcela Frias, should also be done in small portions per day – no more than 50 grams. “It can also be used in breads, cakes, sweets, and even in some savory dishes,” she says.

The nutritionist explains that a tablespoon (10g) of margarine has approximately 70 calories.

So, if, after reading this article, the question “butter or margarine?” comes up again, remember that not even research has managed to define which is the best option. And, although some studies have pointed out good reasons to consume butter, its excess consumption is not positive at all. The same care goes for those who prefer margarine: its consumption should be very moderate. The tip, in both cases, is simply: enjoy in moderation!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.